News Release

Printer-Friendly Version

ODEP News Release: [10/24/2007]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Richard Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 07-1611-NAT

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao to recognize seven businesses, organizations and individuals for exemplary disability employment practices

Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Ambassador Marc A. Buoniconti to receive 'SPIRIT' Award

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao will present seven awardees with national awards for their contributions toward enhancing the employment of Americans with disabilities during a ceremony today, beginning at 11:45 a.m. EDT, at the JW Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, in Washington, D.C.

"The New Freedom Initiative Awards recognize exceptional commitment to helping Americans with disabilities succeed in the workplace and build careers," said Secretary Chao.

The Secretary of Labor's sixth annual New Freedom Initiative Award for exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment and workplace environment for people with disabilities will be presented to:

BUSINESSES

• The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich.
• Gap Inc., San Francisco, Calif.
• Northrop Grumman Corp., Los Angeles, Calif.

ORGANIZATIONS

• The Laurie Mitchell Employment Center, Alexandria, Va.
• Positive Vibe Café, Richmond, Va.

INDIVIDUAL

• John D. Kemp Esq., Powers, Pyles Sutter & Verville P.C., Washington, D.C.

Marc A. Buoniconti, ambassador to the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, located in Fla., will receive the second annual Secretary of Labor's SPIRIT Award for demonstrating qualities that inspire and enhance the ability of Americans with disabilities to enter and participate fully in the 21st century workforce. Those qualities — with letters forming the acronym "spirit" — are strength in leadership, perseverance in unyielding commitment to achieving success, integrity, serving as a role model, independence and acting as a trailblazer.

The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) coordinates the annual New Freedom Initiative Awards program. Introduced by President George W. Bush in 2001, the New Freedom Initiative is a government-wide effort to accelerate the full inclusion of people with disabilities into mainstream American life. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

ODEP is leading a 21st century federal response to the historic underemployment of people with disabilities. In collaboration with other government agencies, public and private employers, and additional stakeholders, ODEP facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace. ODEP's work primarily falls into three categories: employers and the workplace; workforce systems; and employment-related supports, which include education and training, health care, reliable transportation, affordable housing and assistive technology. For more information about this agency, please visit www.dol.gov/odep.